Origin Of Valentine's Day

There are many stories describing the origin of Valentine's Day. Some stories tell of a Roman, Valentine, who was executed on Feb 14, 269 AD for refusing to give up Christianity. Some go on to say that while he was in jail he fell in love with the jailer's daughter. Before his death he left her a farwell note signed "From Your Valentine".

Other stories tell of a Roman priest named Valentine who defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly performing marriage ceremonies for Claudius's young troops. Claudius felt his troops would be too distracted from their war duties if they were married. When Claudius found out that Valentine defied his wishes, he was furious and sentenced the priest to death.

Whichever story you choose to believe, in 496 AD Pope Gelasius declared Valentine a Saint and set February 14th aside as the day to honor him for his deeds